RU2749341C2 - Mobile electronic device stand - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: mobile devices.

SUBSTANCE: mobile electronic device stand includes a base panel having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A layer of material is attached to the top surface of the base panel. The material layer is equipped with micro suction cups.

EFFECT: presented is a rigid support member that, when in operative position, extends substantially vertically from the top surface to the second end of the base panel.

14 cl, 11 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A stand of a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet is described.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

[0003] Mobile electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet computers are currently used for watching movies and for video conferencing applications such as SKYPE. Various support legs have been developed to facilitate this use. An example of a support stand for a mobile electronic device is US Patent Publication 20120074271 (Goetz).

[0004] It is not uncommon for mobile electronic devices to be damaged when dropped. For this reason, various stands have been developed for attaching a mobile electronic device or a cover of a mobile electronic device to a human hand. An example of a stand that protects a mobile electronic device from falling is U.S. Patent D749,069 (Senoff) and the following U.S. patents for inventions: 6,550,108 (Pratl), U.S. 7,354,304 (Livingstone) and U.S. 8,550,317 (Hyseni).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A mobile electronic stand is shown that includes a base panel having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A layer of material is attached to the top surface of the base panel. The material layer is equipped with micro-suction cups. A rigid support member is shown that, in operative position, extends substantially vertically from the top surface to the second end of the base panel.

[0006] In use, the base panel is placed on a table or similar flat surface, and the mobile electronic device is held upright for watching movies or video conferencing. The lower edge of the mobile electronic device is hooked in the selected position with micro suction cups on the base panel. The mobile electronic device is then leaned against a rigid support member that extends substantially vertically from the top surface to the second end of the base panel. It should be understood that the user can select any desired angular position for the mobile electronic device along the layer of material.

[0007] Preferably, a sleeve is located at the second end of the base panel. It is also preferred that the sleeve serves as a hinge allowing the rigid support member to pivot between an operating position and a storage position substantially parallel to the base panel. In order to improve aesthetics and to avoid "engaging" points that may snag on the user's clothing, it is preferred that the top surface has a groove that surrounds the raised center portion. The sleeve is positioned in the groove and the layer of material is positioned in the center section. The rigid support member is positioned in the groove when the rigid support member is pivoted to the storage position.

[0008] It is also preferable that the fastening tape is attached to the base panel, with the base panel being mounted in a person's hand by means of the fastening tape. In use, the base panel is installed in the hand of a person with an attachment tape. The back of the mobile electronic device is then laid on a layer of material. The mobile electronic device is held in place by micro suction cups. This use allows a person to avoid dropping and damaging the mobile electronic device as it becomes attached to his or her hand.

[0009] As will be further described further, there are various methods for configuring the fastening tape. In one embodiment, the fastening tape extends from the bottom surface of the base panel. In another embodiment, a fastening tape is located along the peripheral edge of the base panel and surrounds the base panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting in any way, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mobile electronic device stand with the mobile electronic device in a first angular position.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cradle of the mobile electronic device of FIG. 1 with the mobile electronic device in the second angular position.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the cradle of the mobile electronic device of FIG. one.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the stand of the mobile electronic device of FIG. 1 with the rigid support element removed.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the cradle of the mobile electronic device of FIG. 1 with rigid support pivoted into storage position.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a commercial version of a mobile electronic device stand with a rigid support member in a storage position.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a commercial version of a mobile electronic device stand with a rigid support member in a storage position.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view taken from the first end of the commercial version of the stand of the mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6, with a rigid support element in working position.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view taken from the second end of the commercial version of the cradle of the mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6, with a rigid support element in working position.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view as viewed from the bottom surface of the commercial version of the stand of the mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view as viewed from the top surface of the commercial version of the stand of the mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A mobile electronic device stand, generally designated by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1-5. A version of the stand 10 that will soon become commercially available for sale to the general public will be described with reference to FIG. 6-11 in order to fulfill the requirements of the disclosure of the best mode of carrying out the invention.

Construction and interconnection of parts:

[0023] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, cradle 10 contains a rigid base panel 12. The base panel is elongated to accommodate the length and width of a typical mobile electronic device, but this is not required. In addition, it should be noted that the size of mobile electronic devices tends to change over time. In addition, there are various types of mobile electronic devices, each with a different size. As illustrated, base panel 12 is longer than width and has a first end 14, a second end 16, a top surface 18, and a bottom surface 20. A layer of material 22 is attached to the top surface 18 of the base panel 12. The layer of material 22 is a tape that is provided with micro suction cups 24. As illustrated, the micro suction cups protrude upward, however, it should be noted that micro suction cups 24 are also available that are recessed into the tape in the form of "pores". This technology will evolve and may be known by various names. The equivalent of micro suction pads, whatever the name used, is a tape that has a top surface that engages objects with suction. This is different from adhesive tape. A rigid support member 26 that extends substantially vertically from the top surface 18 to the second end 16 of the base panel 12. A sleeve 28 is disposed on the top surface 18 at the second end 16 of the base panel 12 to engage with the rigid support 26. FIG. 4, the rigid support member 26 is removable from the sleeve 28.

The fastening tape 30 is provided spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base panel 12. This allows the base panel 12 to be mounted on a person's hand with the fastening tape 30. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the bottom surface 20 of the base panel 12 has a fastening tape recess 32. FIG. 3, the fastening tape 30 has a storage position within the fastening tape recess 32. The first end 34 of the fastening tape 30 is secured inside the recess 32 of the fastening tape with an anchor pin 36. The redirection pin 38 overlaps the fastening tape 30. The stopper 40 is attached to the second end 42 of the fastening tape 30. The fastening tape 30 can be formed from the recess 32 of the fastening tape, however, the stopper 40 at the second end 42 of the fastening band 30 prevents the second end 42 from extending beyond the diverting pin 38. In FIG. 4, the fastening tape 30 has an operating position extending from the fastening tape recess 32 outside the bottom surface 20 of the base panel 12. FIG. 5, the preferred form of connection 28 is a hinge. When the sleeve 28 is a hinge, the pivot sleeve allows the rigid support member 26 to pivot into a storage position parallel to the base panel 12 and engage with the layer of material 22 provided with upwardly protruding micro suction cups 24.

Work:

[0024] FIG. 5, the stand 10 is moved to the storage position. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the stand 10 is used in accordance with the first aspect, the bottom surface 20 of the base panel 12 is placed on a table (not shown) or similar flat surface. The rigid support member 26 is rotated into a vertical working position. The mobile electronic device 100 is then supported in an upright position for watching movies or video conferencing. The lower edge 102 of the mobile electronic device is engaged in a selected position by micro suction cups 24 extending upwardly from the layer of material 22 on the base panel 12. The mobile electronic device 100 is then leaned against a rigid support member 26 that extends substantially vertically from the top surface 18 at the second end 16 of the base panel 12. By comparing FIGS. 1 to FIG. 2, it will be understood that the user can select any desired angular position for the mobile electronic device 100 along the layer of material 22.

[0025] FIG. 4, when the stand 10 is used in accordance with the second aspect, the rigid support member 26 is released from the sleeve 28 or moved to a storage position. The base panel 12 is then positioned in a person's hand (not shown) by means of an attachment strap 30. The rear portion 106 of the mobile electronic device 100 is then placed on a layer of material 22. The mobile electronic device 100 is held in place by micro suction cups 24 to help prevent the mobile electronic device 100 from accidentally dropping. during use.

Variations:

[0026] It will be understood that while the pedestal 10 can be used in accordance with either the first aspect or the second aspect, one may wish for a more limited implementation that focuses solely on the first aspect or exclusively on the second aspect.

Warnings:

[0027] Although the technology of micro suction cups may improve in the future, micro suction cups 24 currently have limited holding capacity. In order for the micro suction cups 24 to securely hold the mobile electronic device 100 in accordance with the second aspect, there must be sufficient surface area coverage.

[0028] Advantages over prior art

[0029] 1. Some prior art devices require an adhesive strip to be attached to the phone. This adhesive strip is a "semi-permanent" attachment. It is not intended to be removed. In contrast, the micro suction cups 24 of the support 10 securely hold the mobile electronic device with a temporary connection. This allows the cradle 10 to be used with a variety of mobile electronic devices. This avoids the attachment of any attachment device to the mobile electronic device 100, which could adversely affect its aesthetic appearance.

[0030] 2. The stand 10, as described, can be used with respect to both the first aspect and the second aspect described above, thereby replacing the functioning of the two prior art stands.

[0031] 3. When used in accordance with the first aspect, the mobile electronic device 100 can be positioned at any desired viewing angle.

[0032] FIG. 6-8, this commercial version of Stand 10 has gone beyond the concept stage to a version ready to be produced and sold to the public. The same reference numbers used above will be used throughout the description of this commercial version. Where this commercial version has elements that are not in the embodiment described above, new reference numbers will be assigned.

[0033] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the rigid base panel 12 has an aluminum main body 50 that is oval in shape. The main body 50 has a circumferential edge groove 52 that receives a silicone rubber fastening strip 54 which is capable of stretching and then resiliently returning to its original state. Although silicone rubber fastening tape is preferred, experiments have been made with metal bands that slide along groove 52 and move in and out like a box. The critical factor is that this fastening tape 54 has a working position and a storage position. The fastening tape 54 is received by the circumferential groove 52 and is frictionally fitted inside it. In this position, the fastening tape 54 provides an aesthetically pleasing finish, impact protection for the main body 50, and can also be stretched to attach the main body 50 to a person's hand. In order to prevent tape 54 from being pushed out by impact, inwardly protruding engaging tabs 56 are provided with holes 58 through which the fastening pins 60 extend. The fastening pins 60 extend not only through the holes 58, but also through the aligned holes 62 in the main body 50, so the fastening the tape 54 is attached to the main body 50. When the portion of the fastening tape 54 is attached to the hand of the person 5, the above-described engagement ensures that the fastening tape 54 does not detach from the base panel 12.

[0034] FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, the bottom surface 20 of the base panel 12 is flat. FIG. 11, the top surface 18 of the base panel 12 has an oval groove 64 that surrounds the central portion 66. In FIG. 8, the central portion 66 of the upper surface 18 supports a layer of material 22 which is adhered to the central portion 66. The layer of material 22 is provided with upwardly protruding micro suction cups 24. It should be noted that since the support 10 is temporary, no adhesive should be used on the upwardly protruding surface. only micro suction cups 24 or the like. FIG. 6, the oval groove 64 receives a rigid support member 26. The rigid support member 26 is molded from polymer plastic into an oval shape so that it can fit within the oval groove 64 in the storage position. This is an improvement over the original embodiment because in the storage position the rigid support member 26 is substantially flush with the top surface 18. This removes the rigid support member 26 from snagging on the garment when the support 10 is inserted or removed from a user's pocket. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in the operating position, the rigid support member 26 extends substantially vertically from the upper surface 18 at the second end 16 of the base panel 12. A sleeve 28 that allows this pivotal movement from a storage position within the oval groove 64 to an operating position is located on the upper surface 18 at the second end 16 of the base panel 12. In this embodiment, the sleeve 28 is recessed within the oval groove 64. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, sleeve 28 comprises a tube 68 which is integrally molded through the end 70 of the rigid support member 26. A pivot pin 72 extends through tube 68 to form a hinge. The pivotal movement of the rigid support member 26 is limited by an oval groove 64 so that the rigid support member 26 cannot go far beyond the substantially vertical position in the operating position.

[0035] The operation of the commercial version of the cradle 10 is no different from the description of the operation of the cradle 10. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the commercial version of the stand 10 is carried in the user's pocket in the storage position. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the bottom surface 20 of the base panel 12 is placed on a table or similar flat surface. The rigid support member 26 is then pivoted to a vertical operating position. The mobile electronic device is then held upright for watching movies or video conferencing. The lower edge of the mobile electronic device is engaged in a selected position by micro suction cups 24 protruding upward from the layer of material 22 on the base panel 12. The mobile electronic device is leaned against a rigid support member 26. The user can select any desired angular position for the mobile electronic device along the layer of material 22. Suction the force provided by the micro suction cups 24 on the layer of material 22 creates resistance or friction to prevent the mobile electronic device from sliding along the top surface 18. The mobile electronic device is leaned against a rigid support member 26, the rigid support member 26 simply being strong enough to withstand this tilting force , and must not support the entire weight of the mobile electronic device. The micro suction cups do not leave any marks or residues on the surface of the mobile electronic device and are easily detached from the mobile electronic device. There is no permanent or semi-permanent attachment as is the case with adhesive.

When the commercial version of the stand 10 is used in accordance with the second aspect, the rigid support member 26 is rotated and moved to a storage position. The groove 64 is preferably lined with micro suction cups 24 which hold the rigid support member 26 in the storage position. The base panel 12 is then positioned in a person's hand (not shown) by means of an attachment strap 54. The rear portion 106 of the mobile electronic device 100 is then placed on a layer of material 22. The mobile electronic device 100 is held in place by micro suction cups 24, which helps prevent the mobile electronic device 100 from accidentally dropping. during use.

[0037] In this patent document, the word "including" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that elements following this word are included, but elements not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A singular reference to an element does not exclude the possibility that more than one element is present unless the context explicitly requires one and only one of the elements.

[0038] The scope of protection of the claims should not be limited by the illustrated embodiments given as examples, but should be presented in the broadest possible interpretation consistent with the intended construction of the claims taking into account the description as a whole.

Claims (25)

1. A mobile electronic device stand including a base panel having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a layer of material attached to the upper surface of the base panel provided with micro suction cups; and a rigid support member that, in operative position, extends substantially vertically from the top surface to the second end of the base panel. 2. A stand according to claim 1, wherein a sleeve is disposed at the second end of the base base to engage with a rigid support member removably mounted from the sleeve. 3. The stand of claim 1, wherein a collar is disposed at the second end of the base panel, the collar comprising a hinge by means of which the rigid support member pivots between an operating position and a storage position substantially parallel to the base panel. 4. The stand of claim 3, wherein the top surface of the base panel has a groove that surrounds the projecting central portion, the sleeve is located in the groove, and the layer of material is positioned in the central portion, and the rigid abutment is positioned in the groove when the rigid abutment is rotated into the storage position. 5. Mobile electronic device stand, including a rigid base panel having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface; a layer of material attached to the upper surface of the base panel provided with micro suction cups; and an anchoring strap attached to a base panel that is held in the hand of a person by means of an attachment strap. 6. A stand as claimed in claim 5, wherein the securing tape is attached to and extends from the bottom surface of the base panel in an operating position. 7. A stand according to claim 5, wherein an attachment tape is attached to and along a peripheral edge of the base panel in a storage position. 8. The stand of claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the base panel has a fastener tape recess and the fastening tape is movable between a storage position within the fastener tape recess and an operating position protruding from the fastener tape recess outside the bottom surface of the base panel. 9. The support of claim. 7, wherein the peripheral edge of the base panel has a fastening tape recess and the fastening tape is movable between a storage position within the fastening tape recess and an operating position. 10. Mobile electronic device stand, including a rigid base panel having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface; a layer of material attached to the upper surface of the base panel provided with micro suction cups; rigid support element; a sleeve connecting the rigid support member to a second end of the base panel, comprising a hinge by means of which the rigid support member pivots between an operating position extending substantially vertically from the top surface to the second end of the base panel and a storage position substantially parallel to the base panel; and a fastening tape on a base panel mounted in the hand of a person by means of a fastening tape, the fastening tape having a working position and a storage position. 11. A stand according to claim 10, wherein the fastening tape is attached to and extends from the bottom surface of the base panel in an operating position. 12. The stand of claim 10, wherein an attachment tape is attached to and disposed along a peripheral edge of the base panel in a storage position. 13. The stand of claim 11, wherein the bottom surface of the base panel has a fastening tape recess and the fastening tape is movable between a storage position within the fastening tape recess and an operating position protruding from the fastening tape recess beyond the bottom surface of the base panel. 14. The support of claim. 12, wherein the peripheral edge of the base panel has a fastening tape recess and the fastening tape is movable between a storage position within the fastening tape recess and an operating position.

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